190. Two important rivers- one with its source in Jharkhand (and known by a different name in Odisha), and another, with its source in Odisha- merge at a place only a short distance from the coast of Bay of Bengal before flowing into the sea. This is an important site of wildlife and biodiversity and a protected area. Which one of the following could be this? (2011)

(a) Bhitarkanika 

(b) Chandipur-on-sea 

(c) Gopalpur-on-sea 

(d) Simlipal

Answer: (a) 

Option (a) is correct: 

Bhitarkanika, a storehouse of nature’s bounty, harbours a rich and unique biodiversity. This unique ecosystem of Orissa is surrounded by rivers Baitarani, Brahmani, Dhamara, and is crisscrossed by several creeks-creeklets. Geographically situated in Kendrapara district, Bhitarkanika forms the deltaic region of the river Brahmani and Baitarani. Bhitarkanika is home to the largest population of saltwater crocodile, water monitor lizard, king cobra, python and many other reptiles and amphibians besides herbivores Bhitarkanika National Park is situated in Kendrapara district, which is about 162 km from Bhubaneswar, the state capital. The Park encompasses an area of 672 km².